Another sign of spring

Dear Diary,

Despite flurries and cold temperatures, another sign of spring has appeared on my back porch...Philomena!  She has awakened from her long winter's nap under the potting shed.  I really should have named her "Hoover" because of the way she vacuum's up the porch floor of fallen seeds after the birds and squirrels finish spilling them.

There are certain appearances that are auspicious...the first Robin, the first dragonfly, the first sound of crickets and, of course, the first sighting of Philomena.  They mark my year in a more intimate and meaningful way than dates on a calendar.  Welcome back little friend!